Signs Your HVAC System Needs a Refrigerant Recharge

Hot air blowing from your vents in the middle of summer means your AC isn’t doing its job. Most people miss the first hints: weak cooling, higher bills, or rooms that never feel right. Low refrigerant is a common culprit. It doesn’t just make your house uncomfortable. It can shorten the life of your HVAC system and lead to bigger repairs if ignored.

Weak Airflow and Higher Bills

Walk from room to room. If one space feels cool and another feels stuffy, the system isn’t keeping up. The air handler runs longer. The thermostat never seems satisfied. You hear the system working, but the air feels weak. The power bill creeps up, even though you haven’t changed your habits. These aren’t just annoyances. They’re red flags.

• Rooms cool down slowly, if at all
• Some areas stay warm while others chill
• The system runs for hours without a break
• Monthly energy costs keep rising

Low refrigerant often causes these problems. But dirty ductwork can do the same. Dust and debris choke airflow, forcing the system to work harder. Dirty air ducts affect system performance and can mask refrigerant issues. A professional diagnosis sorts out the real cause and prevents wasted time and money.

Ice Where It Shouldn’t Be

Ice on the AC isn’t a sign of extra cooling. It’s a warning. When refrigerant drops, the coils get too cold. Moisture in the air freezes on contact. You might spot frost on the indoor coils or see ice building up on the copper lines outside. Sometimes, the condensate drain freezes, and water pools around the unit. These aren’t minor inconveniences. Ice blocks airflow, strains the system, and can lead to water damage inside the house.

• Frost coats the indoor evaporator coils
• Ice forms on copper lines outside
• Frozen drain lines stop water from leaving the unit
• Puddles appear near the air handler or outside unit

Ignore these signs, and the system suffers. Ice buildup can cause serious AC system damage. The longer it sits, the more likely you’ll face expensive repairs or even a full replacement.

Noises That Signal Trouble

AC units aren’t silent, but they shouldn’t sound like a chemistry lab. Hissing near the copper lines points to escaping refrigerant. Bubbling inside the unit means air and refrigerant are mixing where they shouldn’t. Clicking from the outdoor unit or constant cycling tells you the system is struggling to keep up. These sounds don’t go away on their own. They get louder and more frequent as the problem grows.

• Hissing or bubbling from the lines or unit
• Clicking noises from the outdoor compressor
• System turns on and off without cooling the house
• Long, noisy cycles that never seem to end

These noises often point to refrigerant leaks requiring immediate attention. Certified technicians have the tools and experience to find and fix leaks before they wreck the system. When you call our team, you can expect a thorough inspection and a clear explanation of what’s needed to restore your comfort.

Compressor Under Pressure

The compressor is the heart of the AC. When refrigerant runs low, it works overtime. The unit starts cycling on and off. Sometimes, the circuit breaker trips. Hot air blows from the vents, even when the thermostat is set low. The outdoor unit vibrates or shakes. These aren’t just quirks. They’re signs the compressor is under stress. Left unchecked, the compressor can fail. That’s a costly fix, often the most expensive part to replace.

• Frequent cycling: on, off, on again
• Breaker trips without warning
• Hot air instead of cool from the vents
• Unusual vibrations or shaking outside

Addressing refrigerant issues before major components fail saves money and keeps the system running. If you’re unsure about your system’s performance, we can assess the situation and recommend the right solution before a small issue becomes a major expense.

Why Only Professionals Handle Refrigerant

Refrigerant isn’t a DIY project. Federal law requires certified technicians for a reason. The chemicals inside the system can harm the environment and your health. Proper leak detection takes specialized tools. Charging the system with the right amount of refrigerant isn’t a matter of chance. It’s a precise process. Cutting corners leads to more leaks, poor cooling, and even system failure.

• Only certified technicians can handle refrigerant
• Leak detection uses advanced equipment
• Charging requires exact measurements
• Strict protocols protect the environment and your home

Working with qualified HVAC professionals keeps your system safe, efficient, and legal. Don’t risk fines or damage by letting an amateur handle the job. Our certified technicians at Precision Mechanical Services follow every safety and environmental protocol, so you can trust the job is done right.

Schedule AC Service in Murrells Inlet Today

Precision Mechanical Services delivers expert refrigerant recharge services across Murrells Inlet. Call us at 843-504-5974 or schedule an appointment to restore your cooling comfort.